Google-sponsored free WiFi coming to US malls

Google uses mall-goers as guinea pigs for Google Offers ads.

Google and Boingo intend to bring free WiFi to a select few malls in the US, reported Gigaom on Tuesday. The only catch is that users will need to view an ad for Google Offers when connecting to the service. After that, it's open season on Boingo's routers.

Boingo's primary business is offering paid WiFi in captive audience situations, like airports, planes, and hotels. Google and Boingo worked out a deal earlier this year to give free WiFi in six subway stations and 200 other locations in New York City through September 7, and the two have a plan to implement discounted WiFi in 16 airports.

San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tampa, and Seattle will be among the lucky few cities with free WiFi in their malls. According to Gigaom, customers connecting the WiFi will be asked to sign up for Google Offers, but will be able to connect regardless of whether they sign up or not.

Aside from the tweens wearing Hot Topic and eating Panera, malls' tendency to become a black hole for cell service during peak times makes us even more desperate to stay away. But free WiFi with a decent amount of bandwidth could alleviate some of that pressure.